China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope, has made a monumental breakthrough by identifying over 1,000 new pulsars since its launch in 2016. This achievement surpasses the total number of pulsars discovered by all other telescopes globally.
Unlocking the Mysteries of Pulsars
Pulsars are rapidly rotating neutron stars formed from the collapsed cores of massive stars after supernova explosions. They emit electromagnetic pulses at regular intervals, acting like cosmic lighthouses in the universe. Each pulsar has a unique pulse and rotation frequency, making them invaluable for studying extreme states of matter, gravitational waves, and the interstellar medium.
Han Jinlin, a researcher at the National Astronomical Observatories under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC), highlighted the significance of the discovery. “Among the pulsars discovered by our team, some exhibit special radiation characteristics, emitting pulses only occasionally, sometimes once every few minutes. These findings provide new clues in understanding pulsar radiation, a puzzle that has intrigued scientists for over half a century,” he said.
A New Era for Space Navigation
The discoveries made by FAST have potential applications beyond astrophysics. Pulsars could serve as natural navigation beacons for future interstellar travel. By accurately measuring their positions and tracking their signals, spacecraft could navigate the cosmos without relying on Earth-based systems. “If humans venture to other planets, pulsars could help prevent us from getting lost during interstellar journeys,” Han explained.
FAST’s Stellar Performance
Since its construction began in 2011 in the natural karst depression of Guizhou Province, FAST has been at the forefront of astronomical research. Officially operational since 2020 and open to global scientists since 2021, the telescope has not only expanded the catalog of known pulsars but also made significant contributions to the study of fast radio bursts, neutral hydrogen, and nanohertz gravitational waves.
Jiang Peng, director of the FAST Operation and Development Center, expressed pride in the telescope’s achievements. “China is making its own contributions to advancing humanity’s understanding of the mysteries of space,” he remarked. The discovery of a pulsar binary system with the shortest known orbital period and providing key evidence for nanohertz gravitational waves are among FAST’s notable accomplishments.
Looking to the Future
Plans are underway to enhance FAST’s sensitivity and spatial resolution by adding auxiliary antennas. This upgrade aims to boost its capabilities, allowing for the discovery of more low-luminosity and distant pulsars. A systematic pulsar search is expected to increase the likelihood of uncovering rare and exotic celestial objects, further propelling our understanding of the universe.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
